Since the launch of Helldivers 2 in February, seasoned members of Liberty’s elite fighting force have been cautioning new recruits about a menacing enemy lurking in the cosmos: the Illuminate. This unusual race of advanced, squid-like aliens, which was a prominent part of the original Helldivers, did not make its return alongside the Terminids and Automatons in the sequel—until now. If you missed the emergency Super Earth broadcast from last night, let me enlighten you: the Illuminate have made a fierce comeback on the urban colony world of Calypso.
The introduction of the Omens of Tyranny update, which marks the start of this invasion, was a surprise drop during The Game Awards 2024. Despite having spent all day at my computer covering the event, I couldn’t resist diving into battle with friends as soon as I finished work. After engaging in fierce combat against the aliens for a marathon of seven hours until dawn, I can confidently say that the Illuminate are as brutal and frightening as anticipated, making them incredibly enjoyable foes.
The combat strategy employed by the Illuminate exudes a creeping pressure, as their unit composition is designed to force players into cover while also compelling them to reposition. Waves of zombified humans, humorously dubbed “the Voteless,” advance toward players in large groups, attempting to flush them out. This allows the more robust Overseers—tall aliens in white armor, both on the ground and flying—to close in for the kill, while slender Harvesters provide support with devastating energy beams, particularly effective in open areas. Additionally, “Watcher” drones scan players to call for reinforcements and incapacitate movement temporarily, which can escalate the danger as the combat units move in for strikes.
This combat style beautifully merges the agile, kiting gameplay familiar from Terminid missions with the cover-focused tactics involving armored Automaton troops, resulting in a distinct and dynamic enemy experience that has resonated well with me and my fellow players. There was initial concern that the Illuminate might feel redundant compared to Super Earth’s other adversaries, yet they have proven to be perhaps the most intriguing to battle.
An impressive aspect of the Illuminate is their engaging combat mechanics without heavily armored units. Even the imposing Harvesters possess a significant weakness: a singular eye that can be targeted with standard firearm rounds or anti-materiel rifles. While Overseers boast high health pools, their resilience relies on quantity rather than impenetrable armor. I found that fast-firing support weapons like the Stalwart and medium Machine Guns perform remarkably well against the Illuminate, allowing for tactical diversity without feeling compelled to rely on heavier armaments.
Energy shields are a defining feature for the Illuminate, with Harvesters, Overseers, and their dropships all protected by bright blue barriers. These shields can be dismantled quickly but create strategic gates, meaning that only considerable firepower can effectively breach them and eliminate whatever lies behind. This design not only promotes the use of typically underrated support weapons but also encourages cooperative gameplay, as one player can disable a shield while another follows up with heavy weaponry or grenades.
The gameplay experience offers numerous opportunities for players to shine independently as well. For instance, ground-based Overseers can be extremely dangerous if they rush in for melee attacks, but determined Helldivers can stagger them with counter-attacks, making them vulnerable to follow-up shots. The flying variant also presents its own set of challenges; targeting the jetpack can trigger an explosion, taking out the Overseer and damaging nearby foes.
Overall, the Illuminate has truly made a profound impact, and I am eager to explore various tactics and loadouts to counter this formidable enemy, especially with the introduction of the new Urban Legends Warbond. While I wish Helldivers 2 had secured a Game of the Year nod, it did achieve recognition for Best Multiplayer and Best Ongoing Game, which is certainly a testament to its engaging experience.
As I gear up for more battles, the thrill of engagement with the Illuminate promises an exciting journey ahead on Calypso.
In summary, Helldivers 2’s update has revitalized the gameplay by reintroducing the captivating Illuminate, and the dynamics of combat against this enemy foster both individual skill and teamwork. Players are in for a treat as they adapt to the strategic layers the Illuminate provide, enhancing the overall experience in the game.